at her. Her heart galloped. She’d been woven into the fabric of these letters, and her surprise had to be written all over her face. He continued to read…
She has been poisoned, too. That’s what men like me do. We taint and exterminate. I have come to understand via my and this young woman’s discussions that she is widowed, but I have an inkling that her husband did not always treat her fairly. He didn’t understand her. It wasn’t intentional. Lauren hopefully will not find this letter before Aries or Sandra, but should she do so, I apologize if I am incorrect in my assumptions. But I do believe her husband poisoned her in two ways. One, by dying too soon. Secondly, by not allowing her to be whimsical, fanciful and silly.
She is a lovely woman with a vivid imagination. Creative, industrious and curious. She’s business minded, as well. I appreciate that in her. She is also only one of two tenants I have that I actually enjoyed interacting with.
I own this property, so I am leaving this letter for Aries and Sandra in this book. Son, if you’re anything like me, then you’ll consider leaving this property in Lauren’s name. It is not out of love that I wish for you to consider this. It is not out of friendship or duty. It is for the property itself. I trust her with this building. I have left you enough money that holding onto this estate is not necessary. I am certain you have read my suggestions for each property, the choice, regardless, is ultimately yours. I have placed these words in this book. It’s a book that I have seen sitting back here on this shelf for at least three years. Therefore, I am leaving this letter inside for safekeeping until the time comes for its discovery.
Aries, you now have a son. I can only hope you have found the key to breaking the spell on our family. You come from a long line of unfit fathers. Plant your seeds in worthy gardens, and if you can stomach it, nurture your handiwork and watch your creation grow. By the way, please tell Aiden that his choice in music is questionable. However, his ability to drive a stick at such a young age is impressive. You’ve done well by him, Aries. Perhaps there is a God that grants blessings after all…
Aries started to visibly shake. He seemed possessed. Lauren got to her feet and wrapped her arms around him, squeezing. She felt her phone buzzing in her pocket, but ignored it.
“Lauren, I… I taught Aiden how to drive several months ago. He’d been begging me to teach him how to ride a motorcycle, but I’d refused. So, as a consolation prize of sorts, I took him out in a deserted area, just a big ass road in a heavily forested area, and showed him how to drive a stick. I explained that some of the best sport cars are sticks, so he should learn that first. As we were out there, he told me he thought he’d seen an old man, but when I looked, I didn’t see anyone. My son had music blaring in the car, and I kept turnin’ it off, and he kept turnin’ the shit back on. We argued about it. He said it helped him concentrate. I said it was making my ears bleed… some Little Wayne or some shit. Anyway, the sun was setting. I remember that. It was a beautiful day. I figured we were on private property possibly, so we picked up and left. It had to have been Benjamin, Lauren…”
She kissed the top of his head. As she did so, she felt her phone vibrate once again. She pulled it out.
“Baby, this is my mother. I’m going to answer it and we can leave if you want to, okay?”
Aries nodded and turned away, looking vexed and confused.
“Hey, Mama.”
“Hi, baby! Look, I made some food tonight, Lauren, and it’s way too much. Swing on by here and get some ’fore it goes to waste.”
“Mama, this might not be a good time for that.”
It’s just some chicken salad and homemade vegetable soup, garlic bread and those fruit kabobs you like, but I figured you might want some.”
Lauren tossed Aries a glance and rubbed his shoulder.
“Mama, actually, I’m with my friend right now that I told you about. Aries. He needs to get home so—”